The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window coated in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more serious air-quality issue inside your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to correct the problem.

What Creates Sweating in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is formed by the moist warm air in your home hitting the colder surface of your windows. It’s notably prevalent over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture within a window is caused from the warm damp air in your home condensing along the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things cause humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Indoor Sweating on Windows Could Mean Trouble

Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it may also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

Not to worry, because there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air throughout your home.

If you have a humidifier operating in your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, those units require emptying out water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which permits you to specify a humidity level just like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation Holdrege.

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these rooms out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By decreasing humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.